Uruguayan Cunha to referee France v Belgium semifinal

France and Germany have expressed regret today over the imprisonment of Odhikar Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan and Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan.

Jan Janowski, deputy head of mission of the German embassy in Bangladesh, posted the joint statement of the two countries on X, formerly Twitter.

Joint Franco-German Statement:
& are deeply attached to respect for the rule of law as well as to the democratic acquis in They will continue to support defenders of human rights in Bangladesh, like throughout the world. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/wPtgre19b3

— Jan Janowski (@JRJanowski85) September 16, 2023

It said France and Germany are deeply attached to respect for the rule of law as well as to the democratic acquis in Bangladesh and that they would continue to support defenders of human rights in Bangladesh, like throughout the world.

"We regret the Bangladeshi court's decision regarding Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan. We have expressed our concern to the authorities on this situation and will maintain our dialogue with them on this case," the statement said.

Read more

Odhikar secretary, director jailed for two years

"We recall that Adilur Rahman Khan, on behalf of the human rights organisation Odhikar, was the 2017 recipient of the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law."

"A vibrant civil society is essential to the prosperity of every nation," the statement concluded.

On Thursday, a Dhaka tribunal sentenced the two Odhikar officials to two years' imprisonment each in an ICT Act case.

The case against Adilur and Elan was filed for running "a distorted report and doctored images" about the May 5-6, 2013 police action on a Hefajat-e-Islam rally in the capital's Motijheel.

The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology next season in the hope of reducing the time it takes to make VAR decisions.

At a shareholders' meeting on Thursday, top-flight clubs unanimously agreed to introduce the system, which is expected to cut the average length of a VAR check for offside by about 30 seconds.

"The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters," a Premier League statement said.

Football's global governing body FIFA used semi-automated offside technology at the 2022 men's World Cup in Qatar after running a series of trials, including at the Club World Cup.

It is also used in the Champions League and in Italy's Serie A.

Referees will still need to make calls on subjective elements, such as whether a player in an offside position is interfering with play.

The Premier League has not disclosed the technology partner it will work with and it is understood that no contracts have yet been signed.

The intention is to introduce the technology after one of the international breaks in September, October and November.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in France's record-breaking 14-0 thrashing of 10-man Gibraltar as the Netherlands, Switzerland and Romania booked their places at Euro 2024 on Saturday.

Les Bleus set a new record margin of victory in European qualifying and a national record in Nice.

Ethan Santos' own goal and Marcus Thuram had already opened the floodgates before 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery scored.

That was Zaire-Emery's last contribution as the PSG midfielder was forced off with an ankle injury but a red card for Santos after just 18 minutes allowed the World Cup finalists to run amok.

Mbappe's penalty made it 4-0 and Jonathan Clauss, Kingsley Coman and Youssouf Fofana all scored before half-time.

Adrien Rabiot, Coman again and Ousmane Dembele kept the score ticking over before Mbappe struck twice to seal his hat-trick in style.

The France captain lobbed Dayle Coleing from just inside the Gibraltar half to register his 300th career goal aged just 24.

Olivier Giroud then came off the bench to grab the final two goals and ensure the history books were re-written.

But the scoreline will raise fresh questions over the need for such clashes between giants and minnows in a congested fixture calendar.

"We did everything to make this score happen. That is the ambition that there is in this team," said France boss Didier Deschamps.

Just one goal was enough to ensure the Dutch joined France in qualifying from Group B with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Wout Weghorst's powerful drive separated the sides in Amsterdam in what is likely to be Irish boss Stephen Kenny's final competitive game in charge.

"In the end, it's about winning the game. We knew we needed the three points to qualify directly today, at home with our own fans," said Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo.

"We created a lot of chances, opportunities, but we have to score more goals and have more finesse in the final third."

Romania, Switzerland qualify 

Romania reached just a second major tournament since 2008 by ending Israel's chances of automatic qualification with a 2-1 win.

Despite being forced to play what should have been a home fixture in Hungary due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel went in front after just two minutes through Eran Zahavi.

But Romania hit back quickly to level through George Puscas and secured their place in Germany thanks to Ianis Hagi, son of Gheorghe Hagi who inspired the Romanians famous run to the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals.

Switzerland also qualified despite being held 1-1 at home by Kosovo.

Romania are now in pole position to win Group I with a draw at home to the Swiss on Tuesday enough to secure top spot.

Wales' hopes of reaching a third consecutive European Championship were dealt a huge blow by a 1-1 draw away to Armenia.

Rob Page's men began the day with automatic qualification in their own hands.

But Wales fell behind early on to Lucas Zelarayan's strike from outside the box in Yerevan.

Nair Tiknizyan's own goal brought the visitors level before half-time, but Wales failed to find a winner that leaves them needing Croatia to slip up.

The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists moved into second place in Group D thanks to a 2-0 win in Latvia as Lovro Majer and Andrej Kramaric struck inside the first 16 minutes.

Wales must beat already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday and hope Croatia fail to beat Armenia at home.

President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday sought to breathe new life into his final term with a promise for a "stronger and fairer" France, at a rare news conference peppered with a string of announcements aimed at forging greater civic responsibility and security.

With over three years of his second and final term to run, Macron has been on the back foot in recent weeks after a series of crises and a growing challenge from the far right.

Last week, he announced a new cabinet with a pronounced tilt to the right, naming Gabriel Attal, 34, as France's youngest-ever prime minister, and followed this with his first full-scale domestic press conference in half a decade.

He announced a trial that could lead to school uniforms becoming compulsory in the next two years, said all children should learn France's national anthem "La Marseillaise", and unveiled an idea for all schoolchildren to take drama courses.

"I am convinced that we have the basis to succeed," Macron said, telling reporters gathered under the chandeliers of the Elysee Palace "our children will live better tomorrow than we live today".

"France will be stronger... if we are more united, if we re-learn to share values, a common culture, respect in the classroom, in the street, in public transport and in shops," he said, watched by his new cabinet team.

Violence spreading

On the international front, Macron promised continued support for Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion.

"The greatest risk for me is the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine," he said.

"We cannot let Russia win, because then the very security of Europe and the entire Russian neighbourhood would be called into question."

Macron also spoke of the risk of violence spreading in the Middle East as a result of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

"Continuing the operations as they are being carried out today means taking a long-term risk, given what this is doing to the whole region and to the security of Israel itself," he said.

Macron added that as a way to "avoid any escalation" of violence in the region, Paris "decided not to join" strikes carried out by the United States and Britain against Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen.

US and British forces have been bombing the rebels since Friday in response to mounting Huthi missile attacks on vessels in the vital shipping lanes since the Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.

'Indulgence'

Entering even into the daily lives of families, he announced that he wanted to "regulate the use of screens among young children", though it was not immediately clear how this would be implemented.

Macron also promised order by "better controlling our borders, by fighting against uncivilised behaviour with a doubling of the police presence in our streets, by fighting against drugs, by fighting against radical Islam".

His comments came as his Education Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, promoted in a cabinet reshuffle to head a new super ministry of education and sports, is being bitterly attacked over her decision to send all three of her children to a private school.

The minister said she sent one child to a private school because of teacher and staffing shortages in his public school.

She was loudly booed Tuesday as she visited her son's former establishment in a bid to clear the air with teachers.

Macron, already under fire for not appointing women to top offices of state, told the news conference that her comments had been "clumsy" and that she had been right to later apologise.

But with the minister watching on, Macron said he felt "indulgence for her" as he had himself offended people, "in particular women", at the start of his term in office.

Far-right fears

The president, accused by opponents of being aloof and even of having monarchical tendencies, regularly answers questions from reporters while abroad but has made a habit of almost never holding a full-scale press conference at home.

But Macron is hoping to reboot a second term in office hobbled by the lack of a parliamentary majority, after mass protests against a pensions reform and divisions within his ranks over an immigration bill last year.

Analysts say the Elysee is genuinely concerned that the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen and her youthful protege Jordan Bardella, 28, could defeat pro-Macron forces not just in European elections in June but also in the 2027 presidential vote.

Macron accused the RN of being the "party of collective impoverishment" and "lies".

"I am pleased to have been able to prevent this operation (by defeating the far-right in the previous 2022 presidential election) and I will do everything to continue this, because it is good for the country," Macron said.

But writing on X, Le Pen said that Macron's "great meeting with the nation" had simply been over two hours of "interminable chatter" without "vision and above all without solutions to the critical problems of the French".

Locations like the picturesque streets of Paris and the sun-kissed beaches of the Maldives beckons romance. However, some locations do not always offer the privacy and comfort you might be looking for. Here are 4 underrated locations for newlyweds that offer adventure and romance for their honeymoon.

Photo: Collected / Tânia Mousinho / Unsplash

Santorini, Greece

Greece is a well-liked travel destination but often the island of Santorini does not receive the attention it merits. Its famous white-washed homes, charming villages perched on cliffs, and magnificent sunsets create a romantic ambience ideal for romance-seeking couples.

One of Santorini's most romantic beaches is Eros Beach. Situated on the south coast, it's close enough to Vlychada Beach to be combined with it frequently as one coastline. The characteristic black, pebbly sand of Santorini is there, but it is backed by stark white cliffs in this location.

It's a remote and peaceful location, situated approximately 10 km from Fira at the end of a dusty track with no public transit lines passing through. For more privacy, the Heart of Santorini is a location not too well-known. It is a hole in the side of a rock that resembles a heart and a picturesque scene that beautifully frames views of the caldera.

To locate it, go west from Megalochori village and take the trail that leads to the little Chapel of Agios Nikolaos.

If you are feeling adventurous you can opt for the Santorini Cable Car rides that give you fantastic views between Fira and the Old Port, book a boat tour of the Santorini caldera and take a swim, enjoy the sunset and sunrise from the village of Oia at locations including the Akrotiri Lighthouse, Franco's Café in Pyrgos, and Skaros Rock near Imerovigli.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is frequently ranked among the most attractive cities in the United States. Taking a stroll hand in hand through the French Quarter's cobblestone lanes, which are dotted with vibrant, old buildings, cutting-edge art galleries, modest bakeries, and upscale eateries close to Charleston's Waterfront Park, is bound to make your honeymoon filled with loving memories.

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is also a romantic location where you can walk through the intentionally over sewn gardens and swamp lands covering over 460 acres of gardens. You can opt for a guided tour across the historic garden or a tram tour and learn about the natural life.

Photo: Collected / Fatih Yürür / Unsplash

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey is filled with the rich history of the Ottoman Empire and is graced with romantic experiences for couples. The country has something for everyone.

A spa day together is always romantic and a Turkish bath is a necessary self-care activity before the stresses of married life start to get to you. Istanbul offers well over a dozen renowned hammams where guests can experience centuries-old Turkish spa treatments. Although not many traditional hammams in Istanbul have Turkish baths for couples, the Suleymaniye Bath is one of the few that does.

If you are a couple who enjoy historical sites, Istanbul offers strolls while exploring three of the most significant historical sites in the city all of which are conveniently located close to one another on foot: Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia Museum.

With its enormous dome and four tall minarets, the Hagia Sophia dominates the skyline of Istanbul. With its gilded interiors embellished with texts from the Quran and walls covered in magnificent Christian mosaics, you can stroll together and wonder at this pinnacle of Byzantine architecture.

Additionally, in Istanbul, witnessing the sunset might be among the most treasured experiences for newlyweds.  The sun sets over the city's recognisable skyline, which is made up of hills, minarets, and domes. Just before the sky turns black, the surface of the Bosporus Strait shimmers like liquid gold, with city and boat lights illuminating the landscape. Excellent locations on Istanbul's hillsides to witness sunsets include Camlica Hill and Pierre Loti Hill.

You can also go to Basilica Cistern to escape the summer heat and walk through the marble columns of Constantinople's ancient reservoir, enjoy a romantic island escape at The Princes' Islands, enjoy a morning tea date at ​​Tarihi Çınaralti in Istanbul's Asian side overlooking the Bosporus Strait, and walk through the gardens of Beylerbeyi Palace.

Photo: Collected / Thierry Lemaitre / Unsplash

Bruges, Belgium

One of the world's most underappreciated locations for honeymoons is Bruges, home to the breath-taking "Lake of Love." Situated in the southern region of Bruges, Minnewater, often known as the Lake of Love, is a rectangular lake encircled by trees and connected to the Minnewaterpark.

Legend has it that the lake was named for a young woman named Minna who was in love with a soldier from a neighbouring kingdom. Due to social conditions, Minna's family did not allow her to marry the soldier. So, she ran away and hid in the area surrounding the lake.

As a heart-breaking tale of love, Minna passed away due to exhaustion in the arms of her beloved soldier. A local tradition came into being from the tragic romance between Minna and the soldier stating that walking across the lake bridge with your significant other will provide you eternal love.

Even if you are not ready to walk across the Lovers' Bridge, this location provides ideal romance for newlyweds — sunsets and sunrises, the lake waters graced by swans. Consider taking a chocolate-making lesson in the charming town of Ghent, which is located just east of Brussels, to add even more sweetness to your honeymoon.

You may also go on a bicycle tour through the Flemish countryside in Ghent, stopping at a local cafe for lunch or take a sunset cruise for two around the city's canals and waterways.

These locations are great for fanning the flames of romance because they offer the ideal environment for love to blossom, complete with breath-taking scenery and quiet time spent together. Filled with wildlife and history, these locations promise good memories and a good start to any marriage.